Fungal Threats Are Growing and So Is Your Power to Stop Them

In a world of attention-grabbing headlines, one issue deserves a closer look: the growing threat of fungal diseases. These pathogens have reached “superbug” status, and according to Dr. Tom Chiller, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Mycotic Diseases Branch, “It’s going to get worse.” That’s a sobering thought, but also a call to action.^1,2

The good news? You don’t have to tackle this alone. The 9th annual Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW) is here to help. This week-long initiative raises awareness about fungal diseases, which are often misdiagnosed and can cause severe illness. Through daily themes, educational webinars and a bilingual social media toolkit, FDAW empowers healthcare professionals like you and the public to better understand the growing threat of fungal diseases and become part of the solution.

Why fungal diseases deserve your attention

Fungi are everywhere: in the air, on surfaces, medical equipment, on our skin and inside our bodies. In both acute and non-acute healthcare environments, this becomes especially concerning due to the presence of vulnerable populations, immunocompromised patients, the elderly and others at increased risk.

Compounding the issue is the rise of antimicrobial resistance and the lack of effective antifungal treatments. Preventing infections before they occur is more critical than ever.

One fungus in particular, Candida auris (C. auris), has gained international attention. It’s persistent, resistant to many treatments and easily transmitted in healthcare settings. Outbreaks have been linked to contaminated surfaces and portable medical equipment, making environmental hygiene a key frontline defense.^3–5

Cleaning & disinfecting: its role in stopping the spread

Effective cleaning and disinfecting are essential to controlling fungal transmission. Clorox Healthcare is committed to transparency and evidence-based recommendations. To help healthcare facilities navigate C. auris, we put together a toolkit to provide guidance on cleaning and disinfecting in healthcare settings. We also developed an easy to follow C. auris Pathogen Education Sheet which lists all of the products that can be used to effectively manage C. auris on environmental surfaces and equipment.

Additionally, my colleague, Doe Kley, RN, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP, T-CHEST, recently outlined the 5 Rights of Cleaning and Disinfecting. While all five are important, the “Right Product” stands out when it comes to fungi, especially in high-risk environments like intensive care units (ICUs), long term acute care hospitals, and ventilator-equipped skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs).

Here are a few Pro Tips for selecting the right product:

• Read the EPA Master Label Carefully
  Many products are effective against bacteria and viruses but not fungi. For example, some quat-based disinfectants may be less effective against fungi and therefore not include any fungal disinfecting claims. Always check the label for pathogen-specific efficacy.
• Don’t Rely on General “Fungicidal” Claims
  EPA fungicidal claims may not include emerging threats like C. auris. If C. auris is a concern in your facility, or if you want to be proactive, look for products that specifically list efficacy against C. auris. Do the same for any other specific fungal concerns in your facility.
• Not All Candida Species are Created Equal
  A disinfectant effective against Candida albicans, or any other Candida species, may not work against C. auris. C. auris is much harder to kill on surfaces, so only products specifically tested against it should be used. Always check the label for efficacy against the pathogens relevant to your facility.
• Use EPA Lists
  These lists are valuable tools for identifying products with demonstrated efficacy against specific pathogens. EPA List P, for example, includes disinfectants proven effective against C. auris. EPA List K is also relevant in certain scenarios, particularly during outbreaks involving emerging pathogens for which the EPA has not yet developed a standardized test method. Many products on List K also have broad-spectrum efficacy, including activity against fungal pathogens.
• Follow Directions for Use
  Ensure proper contact time, surface compatibility, and be cautious with dilutable products. Dilution errors are common and can compromise efficacy, as highlighted in this recent insightful research.

FDAW is more than a campaign, it’s an opportunity.

Use this week to:

• Educate staff on fungal threats and product efficacy
• Review and strengthen cleaning and disinfecting protocols
• Share resources and success stories to build momentum
• Evaluate both nursing and EVS practices to ensure the “Right Product” is being used
• Stay informed about emerging pathogens

Fungal Disease Awareness Week 2025 is your chance to deepen your understanding of fungal threats and take meaningful action. With daily themes, webinars, and tools to support your efforts, this week is designed to help you do what you do best: protect patients and prevent infections.